Benzyl alcohol
Other names E1519
Benzyl alcohol: high in histamine and salicylate. If you're sensitive to any of these, check it against your profile before eating.
Intolerances
- Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)High
Benzyl alcohol (E1519) is on this list for what it becomes rather than what it is: the body oxidises it to benzoic acid, so it ends up as the same compound as E210. It arrives mostly as a carrier for flavourings rather than as a preservative in its own right, in quantities smaller than the benzoates proper. Benzyl alcohol carries no histamine. It is on this page because it becomes benzoic acid, and the benzoates are on every pseudoallergen elimination list.
Sources· 3
- Zuberbier et al., EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO urticaria guideline
- Maintz & Novak, Am J Clin Nutr 2007
- EFSA re-evaluation of benzoates, 2016
- SalicylateHigh
Benzyl alcohol is metabolised in the body to benzoic acid, which is why it belongs with the salicylates — the trigger is what it becomes, not what it is on the label.
Sources· 1
- Baenkler H-W., Dtsch Arztebl Int 105:8 (2008) 137-142, salicylate intolerance - mechanism, clinical spectrum, diagnosis and treatment
- TyramineNone
- SucroseNone
- FODMAPsNone
- LactoseFODMAPsNone
- OligosaccharidesFODMAPsNone
- SorbitolFODMAPsNone
- FructoseFODMAPsNone
- NickelNone
- OxalatesNone
- GlutenNo
Intolerance levels are based on our documented scientific sources. See sources →
React to Histamine (+liberators / DAO inhibitors)? Check these too
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Frequently asked questions
Which intolerances does benzyl alcohol affect?
Benzyl alcohol is notable for histamine and salicylate. Clear on tyramine, sucrose, FODMAPs, lactose, oligosaccharides, sorbitol, fructose, nickel, oxalates and gluten.
Does benzyl alcohol contain histamine?
Yes — benzyl alcohol is high in histamine. Benzyl alcohol (E1519) is on this list for what it becomes rather than what it is: the body oxidises it to benzoic acid, so it ends up as the same compound as E210. It arrives mostly as a carrier for flavourings rather than as a preservative in its own right, in quantities smaller than the benzoates proper. Benzyl alcohol carries no histamine. It is on this page because it becomes benzoic acid, and the benzoates are on every pseudoallergen elimination list.
Does benzyl alcohol contain salicylate?
Yes — benzyl alcohol is high in salicylate. Benzyl alcohol is metabolised in the body to benzoic acid, which is why it belongs with the salicylates — the trigger is what it becomes, not what it is on the label. Amounts vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label of the exact product.
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